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Scientific Context for Acupuncture Terms, What this means in Western Medicine Science

Updated: Dec 20, 2023


Acute Acupuncture 163 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington.
Scientific Context for Acupuncture Terms, What this means in Western Medicine Science

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture use concepts such as yin, yang, dampness, heat, cold, and wind are fundamental principles used to describe patterns of disharmony in the body. While these concepts are deeply rooted in TCM philosophy and may not have direct equivalents in Western Medicine Science (WMS), I can attempt to provide some generalized associations based on WMS terminology or some diagnoses or conditions that correlate.


Yin and Yang: Yin and yang are complementary forces representing the dualistic nature of the universe. Yin is associated with qualities such as darkness, cold, rest, and substance, while yang is associated with light, heat, activity, and function.

Western Medicine Science Context for Yin Yang: Yin and yang in Western Medicine Science (WMS) are concepts that can be loosely related to homeostasis and balance within the body's physiological processes in the organs and body's systems.



Dampness: Dampness in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to an excessive accumulation of fluids or moisture in the body. It can manifest as physical symptoms such as heaviness, swelling or accompanied by illnesses or how the patients may present in the clinic at Acute Acupuncture.

Western Medical Science Context for Dampness: Dampness the perspective in Western Medicine Science (WMS) may be associated with conditions like edema (fluid retention), pitting edema, inflammation, excess mucus production, certain types of infections, or being overweight.



Heat: Heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) represents an excess or hyperactivity of metabolic processes in the body. It can manifest as symptoms of inflammation, fever, redness, excessive warmth, or feeling hot.

Western Medicine Science Context for Heat: Heat the perspective in Western Medicine Science (WMS) may be associated with conditions like infections, inflammatory responses, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, dehydration, or elevated body temperature due to various different causes.

Acute Acupuncture 163 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington.
Scientific Context for Acupuncture Terms, What this means in Western Medicine Science

Cold: Cold in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) signifies a deficiency or lack of metabolic activity and circulation in the body. It can manifest as symptoms of cold intolerance, pale complexion, or a feeling of coldness.

Western Medicine Science Context for Cold: Cold or coldness the perspective in Western Medicine Science (WMS) may be associated with conditions like poor circulation, hypothyroidism, feeling of cold, or reduced metabolic activity.



Wind: Wind in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), wind refers to an energetic force that may cause imbalances and rapidly disperse pathological factors throughout the body. Wind is often associated with symptoms that are dynamic, migratory, or rapidly changing. Wind is also referred to as the speartip of disease and may be accompanied by other pathological factors.

Western Medical Science Context for Wind: Wind the perspective in Western Medicine Science (WMS) can be compared to symptoms associated with certain neurological disorders such as Parkinson's Syndrome, muscle spasms, or conditions involving rapid changes in the body, such as allergies.



It's important to note that these associations are general and may not be all-encompassing. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine Science (WMS) have different conceptual frameworks and diagnostic approaches. While Western Medicine Science (WMS) often focuses on identifying specific diseases or conditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes patterns of disharmony and aims to restore balance within the body and get to the root of the problem. Therefore, it's recommended to consult with practitioners from both disciplines for a comprehensive understanding of your health and appropriate treatment options for you. Thank you for taking the time to read this post, if you like this post please like, subscribe, and share this post. If you have any more questions or concerns check out our Acute-Acupuncture Wellington Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), as we find these answer most people's questions.


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